Source: Carmelo Anthony Has Approved Trade to New Jersey Nets

If you are wondering why the Nuggets need Melo’s approval, let me explain.

No team is going to trade for Carmelo without a long term extension in place, so in essence Melo decides where he can be traded to. If he is unwilling to sign an extension it effectively kills any trade talk.

The one hang up on the proposed deal to the Nets we reported on earlier, was there was no word if Melo would be willing to accept a contract extensions with New Jersey. According to the New York Daily News that is no longer a problem:

Anthony is believed to have signed off on the deal, according to an NBA source, and it could happen as early as Saturday. Anthony’s approval was pivotal in the deal because the Nets wouldn’t have agreed to it for a one-year rental.

According to a source, the Nuggets will make a final effort this weekend to convince Anthony to return after his contract expires next summer. But after Anthony refused to sign a three-year extension that’s been on the table since June – and after he turned down an opportunity this month to express any loyalty to the Nuggets in an interview with the News – it’s unlikely the three-time All-Star will change his mind.

It is a complicated trade if it takes place here is how it would go down:

The proposed deal – which would also involve the Jazz and Bobcats – would have Favors going back to Denver, along with Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko and multiple draft picks from the Nets and Warriors (the Nets hold Golden State’s first-round pick in 2012).

Harris would be sent to Charlotte, while Boris Diaw would be shipped from Charlotte to Utah. Other role players are being discussed as part of the complex trade.

All things considered this would be a good trade for the Nuggets if Melo has told them he has no intentions of re-signing with then. For New Jersey it gives them a Bonafide star to build around to compete with The South Beach NWO and the rest of the very good teams in the EAST.

We should know something one way or another this weekend, so stay tuned.

3 COMMENTS

If this is the trade that goes through, I think it is an excellent deal for Denver. They would get a top 3 pick in the draft in Favors, a good defender in AK-47 who has needed a change of scenery for at least two years and draft picks as well. I would be happy if I were a Nugget fan. You have to rid a team of players who do not want to be there. They already showed a strong commitment to Melo with a 3-year, $65 million extension. He does not want to be there, so Denver has to be aggressive and move on. In pro sports, organizations can't be afraid to lose good or really good players. Look at the Patriots. Bill Belichick has let go of numerous players who helped win titles. Milloy, Vinatieri, McGinest, Seymour, Vrabel, etc. In many cases, they let go of these players when they still had much left to give to NE. They trade borderline HOF candidate Drew Bledsoe within the division. Melo is a really good player, but I would not want him as the centerpiece of my team if I am trying to win a championship. I don't value his leadership. I think he can be a strong number two option on a great team.